Lower Limb Deep Vein Diameters Beneath Medical Compression Stockings in the Standing Position

The mechanism by which compression therapy works is still discussed, especially at calf level. Whether lower limb deep vein diameters change under compression stockings is a matter of debate: no change versus great change. New study material helps to address this question.

This was an experimental single centre controlled study on nine selected patients with mild to moderate superficial venous disease. A total of 34 deep vein segments were examined. A new hybrid (elastic + non-elastic materials) cuff pressure device enabled the deep vein diameter changes from baseline to occlusion similar to that which could be observed under stockings. The deep vein diameters were measured through the device with the patients in a standing position and their body weight distributed equally on both legs. This was compared to a 20-35 mm Hg medical compression stocking. The diameter change when patients put their whole body weight on the tested leg was also measured.

A pressure of 25.3 ± 6.4 mm Hg (mean, SD) was required to ovalise lower leg deep veins and a pressure of 43.1 ± 16.2 mm Hg (mean, SD) to occlude them. Both pressures were significantly different from baseline: p = .003 and p < .0001, respectively. No diameter reduction was achieved when the stockings were worn, and occlusion of deep veins occurred when the patients transferred their body weight onto the examined leg.

In the standing position, deep vein diameter reduction is not caused by compression stockings but may be due to the isometric muscle contractions required to support the patient's body weight.